In the second part of our Senate reform series, we'll discuss
secret holds. In the
last post, we discussed the filibuster, used as a means to delay or kill legislation While the filibuster has been commonly used, especially recently, it is not the only way a senator can stall or stop a bill.
The Senate, it turns out, typically conducts
business in the form of unanimous consent, which means that a single member can cause considerable consternation when other senators are trying to pass a measure. This hold can be done without releasing one's name, hence the term "secret hold".
After some recent changes to the procedure, a senator can hold under anonymity for up to two days. The problem: senators can still team up. One will hold fro two days, then another. The result is a killed bill.
Our proposal:
We need to adapt the rules to hold senators accountable. Holds can still exist, but all holds should be public. Senators should then explain to the American people why they have place a hold. There is then a public record of why the senator is opposed. Changing these rules should streamline the legislative process and make the system more open and transparent.
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